"So far, madam, it has not disagreed with me," he said; "and even
did it do so I should not be able to leave it, as I have orders
to remain here."

"By the way, monsieur," she said, changing the subject of conversation,
"it is whispered that that party of pleasure to which you took
the officers of your regiment at St. Germain did not come off, at
least none of the landlords of the hotels there can recall any
such gathering, and it is even said that your falling in with the
carriage of the Duke of Orleans was not altogether an accident. I
only mention the reports; of course, it was a matter of no moment
whether your party dined at St. Germain or at Sevres. But sometimes
misapprehensions of this kind lead to trouble, especially when
they happen a few days before serious events. I like you, Colonel
Campbell, and that is why I have mentioned this; you understand
me, I have no doubt;" and, turning to a gentleman who had at that
moment approached her, she entered into a lively conversation
with him, and Hector rose, and with the words, "Thank you, madam,"
bowed, and moved away.

It was easy to understand her meaning. Beaufort and the conspirators
whose plan he had thwarted, and who had suffered imprisonment and
exile thereby, had in some way discovered that it was to him that
they owed their failure and disgrace. At the moment his explanation
and that of his officers had deceived them, but doubtless someone
whose connection with the plot was unsuspected had instituted
inquiries, found that the party he had spoken of had not taken
place, and had at once come to the conclusion that he had in some
way discovered their intentions, had really ridden out with his
officers to furnish a guard to Mazarin, and had afterwards acquainted